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Monday, January 3, 2011

What is Inositol: What does it do and how does it effect our body?

Inositol is a naturally occurring nutrient that is usually classified as a carbocyclic polyol. The most common form of inositol is sometimes referred to as myo-inositol. In short, Inositol is a sugar, also known as a simple carbohydrate.

Some research has categorized inositol as belonging to the B-vitamins group, along with other vitamins such as vitamin B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5, B-6, B-9, B-12, choline, and biotin. There are studies that show inositol being categorized as a member of the Vitamin-B family is not entirely accurate. Inositol has no nitrogen content and as such is considered a non-vital amine. Additionally, our bodies are able to create inositol.

Inositol is an organic component of every living creature's cell membrane, including plants, animals, and even people. In plants, inositol can be obtained via phytic acid. Vegetables and fruits that are rich in inositol are cabbage, beans - in particular kidney beans, legumes, seeds, nuts, cantaloupe, bananas, raisins, oranges, and other citrus fruits, among many others. Other plant products that are relatively good sources of inositol are wheat, cereal, oat flakes, wheat bran, wheat germs, brown rice, brewers yeast, and unrefined molasses.

In animals, inositol is part of the phosopholipids. Phosopholipids are found primarily in the brain as well as in other major systems of the body. A good source of inositol as a meal would be the heart and or liver of an animal, as well as beef brains.

What are the benefits of taking inositol?

Researches show that numerous benefits can be derived from this nutrient. Inositol has an effect on nerve transmission and plays a vital role in the chemical reactions in our body that are associated with the production of glucose. The presence of inositol is crucial in the proper development in cell membranes. It assists in the transportation of fats with and throughout our bodies. Inositol works together with other members of the vitamin-B family including biotin and choline to help minimize the accumulation of fats in the liver. This important attribute is why Inositol is commonly used to help treat a variety of liver problems.

Inositol also aids in efficient processing of nutrients into the conversion of energy, which in turn helps the body to maintain a healthy metabolism. Inositol also can be considered brain food, as the nutrient is necessary to properly nourish the brain. The combination of choline and inositol is quite important in attaining a healthy mind and body. These nutrients must be present for the brain to function properly. They also enhance your memory as well as balance your moods.

Inositol is believed to be able to aid in controlling the levels of estrogen and blood cholesterol. While there is lacking evidence to prove this, it may also help reduce symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive as well as depression. To assist with countering depression, inositol is required for the proper and efficient functioning in serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter that affects moods.

An Israeli study uncovered similar evidence of inositol's efficacy in treating nervous disorders. Researchers compared the effects of daily inositol supplements of up to 18g daily with 150mg daily of fluvoxamine, a widely used antidepressant, on 20 patients diagnosed with panic disorder. In findings published in the June 2001 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology," researchers reported that inositol effected a slightly higher reduction in panic attacks than the prescription medication and caused fewer side effects.

It is also believed to be responsible in preventing breast lumps and constipation as well as aiding in healthy hair growth to avoid hair loss or baldness.

As previously noted, inositol is in every cell membrane. As a nutrient, it plays a key part in differentiation and proliferating cells, which have an effect on our overall health. Current studies have seen inositol display some anit-cancer properties in their initial results however, more research is needed.

Who can benefit from taking inositol?

Diabetics may benefit from inositol, as diabetics have an increased excretion of inositol. Diabetes often leads to peripheral nerve damage due to chronically elevated blood sugar levels. A healthy nervous system alerts most people to injury or damage to the legs or arms via pain signals sent to the brain. In diabetes, such messages may not get through. Studies have shown inositol, used in combination of choline, has been effective in improving nerve transmission, which could ease the problem of diabetic neuropathy, a serious complication of diabetes.

How much should I take?

Inositol is not considered to be an essential nutrient for our bodies, therefore a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) has not be established. Talk to your doctor before supplementing with inositol. Unless you are sick, the inositol content organically produced in our bodies is deemed sufficient. The prescription of antibiotics for long term use may correspondingly affect your inositol level. If this happens, you may be required to increase you intake of the sources of this nutrient. Supplements may be advised under such circumstances.

Studies indicate that coffee drinkers may suffer from inositol deficiency. As you know, caffeine is the main component of coffee. It is said that it significantly reduces the inositol supply in your body.

Always consult your doctor before supplementing inositol. However, dosages of approximately 20mg to 75mg seems to be an effective amount to take. Be cautious of consuming dosages of an extreme amount, 500mg or more, as large amounts of phytates could reduce your body's ability to absorb iron, calcium, and zinc. Inositol has been found to have interactions with certain drugs.

What are the side of effects of inositol?

As of the date of this writing, there are no reported toxic side effects of inositol. The only known adverse effect of taking large doses of inositol is diarrhea.

NEURO SMART ENERGY by ViSalus Sciences

What is NEURO?

While many other energy drinks use high levels of caffeine and sugar that can often leave you feeling jittery. Neuro Smart Energy uses a patent-pending blend of ingredients (including Inositol) to provide healthy "smart energy", giving you the extra edge to help you throughout the entire day.

What is in NEURO?

Rhodiola extract for energy and mental alertness. Used by Russian Olympic athletes for stamina and endurance.

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